Colo. Residents Terrified: EPA Spill Larger than Initially Reported

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the mine spill in Durango, Colorado last week is much, much worse than originally reported.

The EPA now claims that the wastewater that leaked from the Gold King Mine into the Animus River is three times larger than originally estimated. The fluid was laden with heavy metals but officials believe it should not injure wildlife or cause any significant injuries.

Three million gallons of orange-ish water have flooded the Animas River from the mine. The EPA had originally projected that only 1 million gallons had been leaked from the mine.

Whether the spill is a threat has not been determined by the agency. EPA toxicologist Deborah McKean said that because of the fast-moving nature of the spill, it was unlikely that it would cause “significant health effects.”